Happy Birthday to Me

My brother makes all the greeting or occasion cards he sends with photographs he has taken. (I once had a calendar made out of 12 of them.) I would agree with him that this shot is so very appropriate for me given my first blog, one to which I should post more often. This photo is recent; it was taken in Belfast, Maine on March 31 of this year. I hope to be running with swords for quite a few years longer. Our senior master kendo instructor is about to turn 82 or 83. (Before doing martial arts in my 80s, I hope I'm still alive then.) And if I can't run, skipping works or even walking. As the current patch velcroed to my day bag notes, "FAILURES HAPPEN. QUITTING, HOWEVER, IS A CHOICE." It is a choice I hope not to be making just because some people might view 60 as "old."

It's Just About a New Year, Baby!

As my 60th birthday approaches, I keep reflecting on this blog that I kept during my 56th year. That would be five years ago, which makes it seem all the more as something I should do again. It will at least get me thinking more about photography even if it doesn't get me reflecting on what images best represent my life at 60, an age I once viewed as "ancient," later viewed as "old," and now try to think of not at all.

If you know me, you know I have something of a fascination with the heads of dolls and all that can be done with them. (I'm trying nightlights next unless the GI Joes and Barbies distract me.) Unfortunately, this toddler-sized doll at the SPCA Rummage Store is there to model clothes not be purchased by some crazy lady who might turn her head into a paperweight, or bookend, or Christmas ornament, all of which I've done with smaller heads.

As I was emailing someone about re-starting this blog, it occurred to me that the URL does mention that it is my 56th year. I guess that means that I have to tell people how to get here or let them stumble in on their own. Works for me!

Returns and Regrets

If you have come here looking for your daily glimpse of my 56th year, you are too late. Having crossed into my 57th year, I have retired this photo-a-day effort. You can find me here, with gratitude to my cousin-in-law Debi for the title.

Birthday Greetings

I got a birthday card from my older brother today. It made me almost deliriously happy when he said I was one of the most youthful 56-year-olds he knows. Thanks, Jon!

Incoming!

I was taken out to a birthday breakfast today by a friend who will be away on the date proper. I will start checking an older age block on surveys, though the income box will stay the same. I will review the resolutions I made six months ago for the new (calendar) year. I may eat cake or perhaps ice cream. Life goes on.

Cake in the Raw

Maybe someday I'll get into making cakes from scratch, but for now I stick to mixes. This is tomorrow's birthday cake for older son's 24th.

Getting Carded

A month and a day after my birthday seemed a good time to remove the birthday cards from the mantel. Some were handmade; others were not. All, though, seemed very carefully chosen for the mix of the me the giver knows and the giver him- or herself, which makes each and every one of them very special to me.

Happy Birthday, Jean!

My kids want me to be more of a badass. What more can I say than that the item between the books is a 50-round magazine for Miss Timmi, my second rifle. I never thought I'd be a gun owner, but I am and actually enjoy shooting, but only at targets.